Fall 2018 Back To School Fashion Trends at MAGIC Trade Show

With August halfway over, the fall 2018 back-to-school shopping season has begun. If you're seeking style inspiration or looking for a wardrobe refresh, there are some exciting fashion trends to look out for.  Here are the seven must-have trends for fall 2018 that I scouted at MAGIC Tradeshow.

1. All Buttoned Up
A continuation from spring/summer 2018, buttons adorn midi dresses, skirts, and jumpsuits. Often more decorative than functional, look out for asymmetrical placements and vintage finishes.

Browse button front styles:

2. The '90s Revival
If there's one thing to remember about the fall 2018 season, it's the '90s. As if! Break out your best Cher Horowitz-inspired looks and get acquainted (or reacquainted) with mini skirts, fuzzy crop tops, overalls, checkered denim, mom jeans, and plenty of plaid. See Target's new brand Wild Fable for colorful and affordable examples.

Browse '90s styles:

3. Chunky Knitwear
This is the season of the statement sweater. Look out for textural details, bobble stitching, undone hems, and slouchy silhouettes. 

Browse chunky knits:

4. Overalls
If rompers and jumpsuits dominate the summer season, then overalls are a natural evolution for the fall/winter months. Expect to see them done in warm neutrals, corduroy, and embellished denim versions. See these overall styles at Shopbop for more shopping inspiration.

See more overalls:

5. See Through Style
There's no hiding from this trend. Transparent handbags and lucite footwear were dominant themes for accessories at MAGIC this season. Footwear brands to note for this theme are Vicenza and Schutz, who offer chic versions of this trend for fall.

Shop clear accessories:

6. Rainbow Stripes and Brights
Bold and colorful stripes adorned slouchy knitwear for fall. 

See more stripes:

7. Gold Mine
If there's one color to add to your closet as 2018 comes to a close, it's goldenrod. Also known as mustard or Gen Z yellow, it's pretty much the new Millennial pink. Not that pink is going anywhere, it's just morphing into a dustier, more muted hue. 

Browse more gold pieces:

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Get fashion updates and more trend inspiration with me on social media @thekeytochic.

August 25, 2018 update - See four denim trends for 2019.

August 21, 2018 update - See four fashion trends for fall 2019 and winter 2020 on The Key To Chic.

August 20, 2018 update - See five footwear trends for spring summer 2019 on The Key To Chic.

Shop top fall trends:

Top Denim Trends for 2018

As denim becomes more ingrained into our everyday wardrobes, it's fascinating to see how it evolves each season. The days of boring blue jeans are long gone, replaced with embellished jackets, cute skirts, innovative treatments, eco-friendly construction techniques, and fun finishes. Earlier this month at MAGIC trade show, I spent some time tracking Women's denim trends, and I'll be sharing my top five denim trends for 2018. 

1. The Novelty Denim Jacket
While the trucker jacket was a key item last season, the novelty jacket is taking its place for spring 2018. Think floral embroidery, elbow cut outs, ruffles, cropped shapes, and frayed edges. Almost anything goes; there's no room for minimalism here.



See more denim jacket trends:

2. Fit to be Stitched
The embroidery of the past few seasons isn't slowing down, with floral motifs adding a pretty touch to straight-leg jeans, mini skirts, and casual jackets.



More embroidered denim:

3. The Sporty Stripe
Given the popularity of athletic apparel, the athleisure movement was bound to infiltrate the denim market. Sporty striped panels adorned many pairs of jeans at MAGIC this season. It was most notable on skinny and straight leg silhouettes and paired with distressed finishes. 



Browse sporty striped denim:

4. Shredded Styles
Fringe effects, frayed hems, shredded trims, and Western-inspired details add texture and movement to denim.



Find more fringe:

5. Overalls
Overalls, short-alls, and overall skirts round out the mix of one-piece denim styles I spotted. Paired with statement-sleeve tops layered underneath, it's a casual path to festival season style.



See other overalls:

Other notable denim trends to take note of include: glow in the dark denim, iridescent coatings, 3-D effects, recycled garments, resin prints, water repellent storm denim, and fabric with enhanced wicking. 

See brands such as RE/DONE, AGOLDE, Topshop, 3x1, Levi's, and this collection of emerging designers for more denim inspiration and ideas.

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

See more denim trends:

Catch up with me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Snapchat @thekeytochic. Get more fashion trend reports here:

Four denim trends for 2019

Five Women's footwear trends for 2018 

Men's spring summer 2018 fashion trend forecast

Women's spring summer 2018 fashion trend forecast

Women's fall 2018/winter 2019 fashion trend forecast (macro trends)

Women's fall 2018/winter 2019 trend forecast (four key themes)

Women's spring summer 2019 fashion trend forecast

Discover more denim trends for 2018:

Spring Summer 2017 Juniors' Fashion Trend Forecast

Having just returned from a season at the WWDMAGIC trade shows, I'm excited to highlight six Women's and Juniors' fashion trends for spring 2017 and beyond. As I walked the trade show floor, many things caught my eye, and I followed my instinct by photographing anything that felt new or fresh. Hundreds of photos later, I've narrowed it down to these six themes for Women and Juniors. Here's what to keep your eye on for spring...

July 25, 2017 update - See top retail trends:

1. Ruffles and flounces. Taking inspiration from brands such as Elie Saab, Gucci, Jonathan Simkhai, and J.W. Anderson, the ruffled blouse is a key item for spring. Whether cascading, tiered, or on sleeves, it's a strong argument against minimalism. This is the season for embellishment! Look for ruffles, flounces, and peplums on casual knitwear, and also on sweatshirts, poplin blouses, and off-the-shoulder dresses. Topshop has some great retail examples at the moment.



Browse ruffled pieces:

2. Pink about it. I wrote about pink in my spring 2017 footwear trend forecast, and it's also stealing the spotlight when it comes to clothing. This season, pink is best shown in pale, dusty shades of blush and rose. This Sole Society satchel in blush is a perfect example of the color.



Browse pink pieces:

3. Needle and thread. Embroidery adorns everything from skirts and woven tops to denim jackets and boyfriend jeans. Stitched florals in bright colors inject new life and vibrancy into spring/summer 2017 apparel. See everything Gucci for more samples of this trend.



Browse embroidered pieces:

4. Statement sleeves. A carry-over from previous seasons, the sleeve is still experiencing a major moment. From tiers and flounces to tie details and tailored gathers, the voluminous sleeve is a strong item for spring and summer. Often paired with off-the-shoulder silhouettes, it's evolved into a crisp cotton poplin version with pinstripes for an updated take on the banker blouse. 



See more statement sleeves:

5. All laced up. Thank Miuccia Prada for the corset lace-up trend. I spotted it on belts paired over oversized tops, as well as integrated into knit tees at Zara. Keep an eye out for large grommets with sporty references and flirty ribbon trim.



Browse lace-up styles:

6. The cold shoulder. Another returning style from past seasons, the open-shoulder silhouette is still going strong. It's more embellished this time around, with strap detailing, enhanced necklines, and textural interest. See Miss Guided for fun and affordable versions of the Bardot trend.



Browse off-the-shoulder styles:

January 4, 2018 update - See a spring summer 2019 fashion trend forecast.

September 14, 2017 update - See 9 key fall 2017 winter 2018 fashion trends in my retail report. 

March 6, 2017 update - See this spring summer 2018 fashion trend forecast on The Key To Chic featuring 4 key themes for Women.

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

See more spring/summer 2017 trends:

Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 Footwear Trends

Shoes form the foundation of any stylish outfit, and having just returned from what I consider to be shoe heaven (a.k.a. FNPlatform at WWDMAGIC), I'm feeling inspired about all the footwear trends I've scouted for fall 2016 and spring 2017. Fall and the back-to-school season signals the ideal time to try out new styles and updates. After reviewing my photos from the trade show, seven key footwear themes have emerged. Read on to see the top examples from trend-conscious brands.

1. Metallic Moment
High shine and glossy finishes adorned a wide range of styles, adding glamour and drama to slides, platform sandals, heels, and even Western ankle boots. Ultra shiny shades of gold and highly reflective silver seemed to predominate in a shift away from the rosy hues of previous seasons.

Clockwise, from top left: Cravo & Canela, Vicenza, Z & L Europe, Capodarte

2. Elevated Soles
After a few seasons of single sole domination, the platform is making its way to the top of the trend cycle. Platform sandals, clogs, and loafers give a subtle nod to the '70s, while providing the perfect complement to the culottes, midi skirts, and wide leg bottoms that are trending as 2016 comes to an end.

Clockwise, from top left: Vicenza, Carrano, Michael Antonio, Michael Antonio

3. Natural Neutrals and Raffia
At booth after booth, I spotted soft, earthy neutrals and raffia constructions in a myriad of sandal silhouettes for spring. 

Clockwise, from top left: Michael Antonio, Schutz, Schutz, Corso Como

4. Fun and Sunny
There's no denying the bold appeal of a sunny shade of yellow. This bright color injected life to sculptural pumps, sneakers, strappy heels, and everything in between. 

Clockwise, from top left: Cravo & Canela, Ferri, Michael Antonio, Michael Antonio

5. Modern Mules
The no-fuss silhouettes of the mules and slides made popular in the '90s have an easy elegance. For fall 2016 and spring 2017, backless loafers, block-heeled mules, and platforms provide a wide array of ways in which to wear this key trend.

Clockwise, from top left: Stephanie Classic, Vicenza, Michael Antonio, Vicenza

July 25, 2017 update - Shop mules:

6. Shoemoji Style
You may see and use emojis all day long on your smart phone, but now they're transitioning from digital life to real life by adorning shoes. They add a modern, playful element to slides and sneakers.

Clockwise, from top left: Vicenza, Vicenza, Michael Antonio, Michael Antonio

7. Artisanal and Artsy
It's all about artisanal detail, customization, and thoughtful design elements as heels and oxfords get gorgeous treatments and construction details worthy of an art gallery display. The shoe on the top left, by innovative Brazilian brand Ciao Mao, has cool, creative pieces that you can interchange to give a custom look.

Clockwise, from top left: Ciao Mao, Stephanie Classic, Carrano, Vicenza

Get more footwear info and inspiration in my 2016 shoe trend report. 

For more trend forecasts, see my fall/winter 2016/2017 trend forecast, my spring/summer 2017 denim trend report, and my spring/summer 2016 trend forecast on The Key To Chic.

February 27, 2017 update - See more 2017 footwear trends in my trade show report on The Key To Chic.

August 24, 2016 update - See six trends for fall 2017 and winter 2018 on my other blog The Key To Chic.

Footwear obsessed? Browse the newest trends from top brands: Carrano, Topshop, Ukies, Michael Antonio, Schutz, Nasty Gal, Luichiny, Vicenza, and Boohoo.

Catch up with me on social media @thekeytochic for more trend forecasting, photos, and shopping inspiration.

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if purchases are made by clicking links.

See more footwear trends for 2016 and 2017:

Fall Winter 2015-2016 Fashion Trend Forecast

One of the reasons that I love fashion is that it's always changing. A trend may be relevant one week and on the way out soon after. So how do we keep up with the constantly evolving trend cycle?  Fashion trend forecasting companies such as New York-based Fashion Snoops provide in-depth trend reports and forecasts, complete with Pantone color swatches, mood movies, street style galleries, and an abundance of style inspiration for any fashion designer, manufacturer, buyer, or merchandiser who wants to know what will be on-trend in 12-18 months. 

For fall 2015 and winter 2016, there are four key fashion trends that Fashion Snoops is highlighting. I had a chance to visit the Fashion Snoops trend galleries and attend their popular trend seminar at MAGIC Market Week, and I'll be sharing key points on each of their four trends.

*Please note that this blog post is protected by copyright laws and may not be republished without permission. Students - please feel free to use this information for school projects as long as it's not reproduced or republished online and you properly cite Fashion Snoops and Fashion Trend Guide as sources. 

The first trend story, Inner Calm, is a cozy translation of a Sunday afternoon in bed with a cappuccino and a duvet. Tucked away miles away from civilization, the Inner Calm man and woman live in a minimalist wood cabin, where they've created a cocoon atmosphere with their home and way of dress. Fabrics are knit heavy with chunky yarns and multiple textures. Shapes are voluminous, with layered looks. Ribbed knit, mohair, high pile furs, brushed wools, and tissue knits are key. Nature factors in not only with natural fibers, but with fur pelts and abstract motifs. Neutral and light colors keep it clean yet warm. Minimalist lines add subtle modern edge. Design details include draped pockets, sweater tie knots, and elongated sleeves. Marbelized techniques and cracked surfaces complement the coldness. The sweater set is an important item, as are: the elongated sweater dress, wide-leg pants, cocoon coat, knit pants, turtlenecks, and the blanket coat. A Nordic heritage with colors inspired by ice and glaciers is key to this story. 

Retailers and brands to reference for the Inner Calm trend include Asos, J.Crew, Reiss, and Topshop.



See Inner Calm examples:

The second trend story, City Slicker, is about the ultimate urban dweller who is at home in an active setting. Their metropolis surroundings are reflected in their lustrous surfaces, sharp silhouettes, and plenty of contrasting details. There's an underlying reference to sport. The head-to-toe look embraces the mineral sleekness of the city and is a celebration of the sportif lifestyle with a decidedly urbane approach. Materials are tweed, double-faced, and technical. Mesh, quilting, and PVC are important for this story. Sheer sleeves, side-panel pants, and mixed media techniques figure prominently. Marbled surfaces reflect the metropolis influence. The elongated shirt, cocoon coat, shirtdress, cropped wide-leg pants, Bermuda shorts, and parka are key items. Colors are bright and energetic (like on this sporty top) with positive energy. Digital blue, bright orange, and yellow contrast with industrial steel, concrete, and glass colors.

Retailers and brands that serve as great examples of City Slicker include Nasty Gal, Boohoo, Forever 21, and Adidas.



See City Slicker examples: 

Northern Narrative (a.k.a. Artisan Journey) is about old textile traditions. Decorative elements create a one-of-a-kind feel expressed by the Bloomsbury set of intellectuals of London. Recalling the first half of the 20th century, the story calls to mind the quarters of writer Virginia Woolf and painter Duncan Grant. There's a dreamy and adventurous spirit. It's rooted in bohemian territory with an arts and crafts element. Materials are silk chiffon, needlepoint, lace, and jacquard. Outerwear is shearling, wool, and astrakhan. Design details include embroidery and quilting. The mid-calf silhouette is important. William Morris florals influence the trend. The blanket coat, peasant blouse, classic cardigan, shearling jacket, quilted jacket, turtleneck sweater, and mid-calf dress are key items. The color palette is bright and lively. Burgundy red and golden are important, as well as blues and moss green or pine greens.

To see more examples of the Northern Narrative trend, check out Threadsence, Free People, and Anthropologie.



See Northern Narrative examples:

Kingdom is a beautiful story that addresses the unchartered territories, cozy corners, rustic surfaces, time-honored tribal traditions of the North, tales untold of strong men and women and their rugged adventures. Telling the story of a medieval romance, Kingdom is rooted in fairytales coupled with a tough warrior reality and a will to conquer. With a harmonious contrast between pure air, aggressive barren surfaces, and enveloped green earth, this story is raw romance at its best. The color palette is rich and includes forest green, maroon, jewel tones, lavender, and earthy brown. Materials are leather, draped jersey, Army fatigues, velvet, lace and jacquard. Patterns are folkloric and nature-inspired, with storybook inspiration. Key items are the cape, lace-up leather pants, pleated skirts, embellished folk hardware details, mohair sweaters, parkas, and full-skirted dresses. Closures are lace-up and belted, with 3-D appliqués. Statement chokers, chain belts, and palm bracelets round out the jewelry options.

For more examples of the Kingdom trend, see Free People, Asos, net-a-porter, and Anthropologie.



See Kingdom examples:

To see more photos of future trends, follow along with me on Pinterest, where I'll be posting color palettes, fabric examples, and more trend forecasting inspiration.

Catch up with me on Facebook and Instagram @thekeytochic for exclusive fashion content, shopping, and personal style photos. 

Want more forecasts? See my top 7 fall 2016/winter 2017 fashion trends for Juniors,  spring summer 2016 trend forecast, 2016 denim trend report, and fall 2016/winter 2017 trend forecast. 

For a look at footwear, see my 2016 shoe trend report. 

Browse more 2015-16 trends:

* Check out Fashion Snoops for additional trend reports and subscription services.

All photos are protected by copyright and text published on Fashion Trend Guide is adapted from Fashion Snoops and may not be republished in any medium without written permission from Fashion Trend Guide. 

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